Ritchies IGA is celebrating after winning three prestigious national awards for IGA Bakery Department of the Year, IGA Produce Department of the Year and IGA Retailer of the Year at the annual Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) Retailer of the Year Awards held on the Gold Coast on the 20th July.

The store was nominated for the national award after winning Victorian IGA Deli, Bakery, Produce, Grocery, Dairy-Freezer Departments of the Year Award and the Victorian IGA Retailer of the Year Award in the State IGA Retailer of the Year Awards in April 2015.

The store, which in January 2014 benefited from a refurbishment that saw the fresh departments more than double in size, now offers shoppers a state-of-the-art supermarket experience. The new bakery has become popular with locals, producing a range of freshly made treats every day, including artisan breads and made-to-order party platters.

Alongside its bakery offering, the store also boasts Australia’s very first Maille Mustard boutique featuring 22 varieties of Mustard, Vinegar and Vinaigrette, to offer shoppers a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. The boutique hero product is a fresh mustard all the way from France, which is available on tap in the shop.

Speaking about his award, Fred Harrison said, “The store’s refurbishment has been a great success as it has enabled us to offer our shoppers more variety across every department. Alongside our mustard boutique, the bakery has become one of our biggest draw cards for local shoppers who are looking for the freshest produce possible. We’re delighted to see the team’s efforts rewarded with Retailer of the Year award.”

IGA National Council Chairman, Ben Ryan said the National Retailer of the Year Awards was considered a great honour amongst the IGA group, with competition becoming stronger each year.

“The National Retailer of the Year Awards acknowledge the hard work, commitment and excellence our stores have demonstrated all year.

“Fred and his experienced team have done an incredible job and this award is testament to their excellence on so many levels. In recognising individuals such as Fred, we acknowledge the true essence of independent retailing and what it really means to be an IGA retailer,” he concluded.